SILVER SPRING, MD – June 24 – The ladies are back in the kitchen! "Cooking Sessions with Tamar & Ms. E" is coming back for season two. After premiering as CLEO TV's highest performing series debut ever, the hit series returns Wednesday, July 8, with all-new episodes. Hosted by Tamar Braxton and Ms. E, each episode features the ladies spicing things up in the kitchen with delicious recipes and even more laughter. New episodes of "Cooking Sessions with Tamar & Ms. E" air Wedne

Courtesy Photo: Pictured from left to right are Chatum Taylor, member of the Lansing Community College Board of Trustees; Tanya McClain, Interim Chief Diversity Officer for Lansing Community College’s Office of Empowerment; Yanice Y. Carter, Publisher and Editor of The Chronicle News; Lansing City Council Member Trini Pehlivanoglu; and Shirley Carter-Powell, Founder and Executive Director of Against All Odds Foundation, during The Chronicle News 40th Anniversary Legacy Gala h

Courtesy Photo: 150,000 books. Countless dreams. 📚✨WKAR’s Robin Pizzo and her team continue to put books directly into the hands of children across Mid-Michigan, helping build stronger readers, learners, and communities. 150,000 books into the tiny, curious, precocious and sometimes reluctant hands of children across mid-Michigan was never a goal Robin Pizzo, director of education at WKAR, considered reaching within six years. Yet, with each event she attended as a public me

LANSING, MI — 40 Dubb Podcast, in partnership with The Chronicle News, will release two highly anticipated episodes on Friday, June 19, featuring distinguished Lansing natives Dr. Monica Allen and Mark Stiles. Dedicated to preserving and celebrating the stories, experiences, and legacy of those who grew up in Lansing during the 1970s and 1980s, 40 Dubb Podcast continues to build a digital archive of community voices that helped shape the city and its culture. The June 19 rel

For Angel Taylor, investing in young people is more than a calling, it is a lifelong commitment to building stronger families and communities through education, mentorship, and service. As the leader of the Reading Readiness Summer Camp hosted at Christ’s Kingdom Builders Church and Community Center, Taylor works to create meaningful opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and discover their potential. The free summer program provides academic enrichment, cultural education,

As The Chronicle News celebrates 40 years of serving Mid-Michigan, the organization is also investing in the future through one of its newest youth initiatives: the Chronicle Kids Community Coloring Book. The publication, titled I Know I Can: Real People. Real Careers. Real Possibilities., was created to inspire young readers by introducing them to community leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, educators, public servants, and changemakers who are making a difference throughout th

For Vera Riley, success has never been about choosing between creativity and entrepreneurship. Instead, she has built a path that allows her to embrace both. Known throughout the community for her music and uplifting spirit, Riley has also found success as an independent consultant with Jafra Cosmetics, where she combines beauty, mentorship, and business ownership to empower others. Her journey with Jafra began by watching her mother build a successful career with the company

The Community Catalyst was founded in 2017 by Yanice Carter with a clear mission: to create measurable, community-led change by building bridges between residents, organizations, and local leadership. What began as a grassroots effort in Lansing has evolved into a growing movement centered on collaboration, empowerment, and opportunity. At its core, The Community Catalyst exists to help people move beyond survival mode by connecting them with the resources, education, skills,

Courtesy Photo: DJ, media personality, and entrepreneur Metro Melik will curate the evening’s soundtrack, bringing signature energy, culture, and creativity to the celebration When guests gather to celebrate 40 years of The Chronicle News, they will be welcomed by more than inspiring stories, community leaders, and unforgettable moments. They will also experience a carefully curated soundtrack provided by one of Mid-Michigan’s most recognizable cultural ambassadors, Metro Mel

Art has the power to tell stories, spark conversations, and bring people together. Few artists embody that belief more fully than Sera Renee’. A multidisciplinary artist, creative entrepreneur, and founder of Contrasted Content, Sera Renee’ has built a reputation for creating immersive artistic experiences that challenge perspectives and celebrate human connection. Her work spans painting, body art, public installations, community engagement projects, and live artistic perfor

The Dazzling Diamondz are more than a dance team. They are a youth leadership and empowerment program dedicated to building confidence, discipline, teamwork, and community pride through the performing arts. Under the leadership of Dominique Devereaux and DreamWorld Studio of the Arts, the Dazzling Diamondz provide young performers with opportunities to develop their talents while learning valuable life skills that extend far beyond the stage. Through dance, mentorship, commun

Few individuals have dedicated as much of their lives to education, leadership, and community service as Dr. Maxine Hankins-Cain. Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Dr. Hankins-Cain built a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in education. Throughout her professional journey, she served as a classroom teacher, academic coach, principal, Director of Elementary Education, and Superintendent of Sankofa Shule Public School Academy, helping shape the lives of c

Courtesy Photo: Recording artist Vera Riley will bring powerful live vocals to the Chronicle News 40th Anniversary Legacy Gala as part of the evening’s featured tribute, Through the Eyes of Mamie Till-Mobley: A Living Portrait. Known for her soulful voice and emotionally driven artistry, Riley’s performance will help guide audiences through one of the evening’s most reflective and moving moments. Whether through song, service, or entrepreneurship, Vera Riley has dedicated her

Courtesy Photo:The Lucas-Perry Dental Dynasty. (L to R) Laval, Victoria, Evelyn, Mom Patricia and Patrick There are families. And then there are institutions disguised as families. The Lucas-Perry family is one of those rare examples where love did not simply endure, it multiplied. Into purpose. Into profession. Into leadership. Into impact. At the center of that legacy stand Lavel and Dr. Patricia Lucas-Perry, whose 43-year marriage became the foundation for something far g

Courtesy Photo: Deborah Allen, Founder and CEO Spotlight Lipstick For Deborah Allen, beauty is about much more than makeup. It is about confidence, self-love, and helping women recognize their value at every stage of life. As Founder and CEO of Spotlight Lipstick, Allen has built a beauty brand specifically designed for mature women. Through lip products, skincare, education, and encouragement, Spotlight Lipstick helps women over 40 embrace their beauty, confidence, and wisdo

Courtesy Photo: Elyse Ribbons, founder of Chengdu Teahouse in Lansing, is honored for building community through culture, tea, and connection As The Chronicle News celebrates 40 years of community impact, culture, and connection, guests attending the VIP Experience will have the opportunity to enjoy a special tea service presented by Elyse Ribbons of Chengdu Teahouse. Known for her passion for tea education and cultural exchange, Ribbons has spent years introducing people to

Courtesy Photo: Kubwa M. Brown For entrepreneur Kubwa M. Brown, success has always been about thinking big. Fittingly, the name of his company, Kubwa, comes from the Swahili word meaning “big.” Kubwa was founded with a simple mission: to provide natural body products with exceptional quality and memorable fragrances at prices that remain affordable for everyday consumers. In a marketplace often dominated by expensive brands and products containing harsh chemicals, Brown wante

When many people think about Marine Corps training, they often imagine nonstop yelling, impossible physical challenges, and intense discipline. That was certainly part of what I expected before attending the 2026 Michigan Marine Corps Educators Workshop at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina. As a writer representing The Chronicle News, I was invited alongside educators, community leaders, and media professionals from across Michigan to experience first

For years, DJ Cutt Nice has used music not only to entertain, but to educate, uplift, and preserve culture throughout the Lansing community and beyond. Known as “The 45 Advocate,” DJ Cutt Nice has built a reputation as a respected DJ, music historian, collector, and community voice dedicated to keeping the art of DJing alive for future generations. His passion for music, vinyl culture, storytelling, and community engagement has inspired countless people through both performan

Courtesy Photo-Robin Pizzo, M.Ed. Director of Education & Regional Director, Michigan Learning Channel, focuses on literacy, family engagement, and expanding access to educational resources throughout Michigan's Capital Region LANSING, Mich. — The Chronicle News and WKAR Public Media are proud to announce a new collaborative partnership designed to expand access to meaningful community-centered education content and resources. The collaboration will focus on strengthening con